I STILL love the GSX-R1100G!
About my letter published in the May issue. Thinking back, I managed to get the spindles the wrong way round; the Bandit had solid ones and the GSX hollow! Considering the knowledge base of your readership and contributors, I thought I’d better ’fess up to that. Yes, the GSX had hollow axles and swingarm pivot. Sorry! It was a very long time ago!
However, that bike was ferociously fast (strictly not for publication obviously but I did once see 160mph on the clock, but I suspect that it was more than a tad optimistic). I didn’t realise how fast I was actually going, it was so stable and well behaved until I glanced down at the clock and I rapidly eased off on the throttle – could it go that fast? It also had a hearty appetite for tyres. I was sorry to let it go (I gave it to my step-daughter’s partner), but quite frankly it was too uncomfortable at speeds less than 80mph and you can’t ride around at that speed all the time. It was another classic issue by the way, especially as you review one of the bikes I have always lusted after: Kawasaki’s Z1300.
Incidentally, whilst I still had the GSX, I went to the USA and hired a Harley for a fortnight. I toured New Mexico, Arizona, a bit of Nevada and California. It was a Dyna-glide Convertible and that did not endear me to Harleys being under-powered and overweight. I suppose the GSX-R spoilt me, but I’m happy with my Sportster.
Bertie says: “We all have our favourites and there’s nothing wrong with the ‘right’ Harley in our lives, either!”